SEE IT: Kendrick Lamar kicks off Grammys with U2, Dave Chappelle

The Grammys launched with a bang Sunday night as Kendrick Lamar kicked off the show with a star-spangled rendition of "XXX," backed by an enormous projection of the American flag and dozens of dancers in Army gear.

"I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America," comedian Dave Chappelle said in a brief interruption before Lamar retook the stage.